Men apologise for Savile float

A group of people who dressed up as Jimmy Savile and schoolgirls at a community fancy dress competition have said sorry for causing offence

An apology has been issued by a group of men who dressed up as Jimmy Savile and schoolgirls as part of a community fancy dress competition.

Members of the 2010 club have apologised "unreservedly" for causing offence during the parade in the Scottish Borders as part of the Lauder Common Riding event.

Their Jim'll Fix It float was awarded third place in the Best Vehicle category.

The story made headlines after a few spectators complained to the organisers via the social media website Facebook.

Numerous people then spoke out against the stunt including local MSP Christine Grahame.

In a statement, the men involved said: "We, the members of the 2010 club who participated in Lauder Fancy Dress recognise we made a serious error of judgement in our choice of subject for our float at this year's event.

"It was never our intention to cause offence to anyone.

"For the upset we have caused or may cause we unreservedly apologise."

One man dressed up as the disgraced former television presenter while others wore schoolgirl uniforms during the event on July 31.

Branded one of the UK's most prolific sexual predators, Savile has more than 200 criminal offences recorded against his name, including more than 30 rapes.